Shahriar Kabir, Paikgachha.
Illegal brick kilns and coal kilns are continuing to operate in different areas of the upazila, showing the administration the thumbs up. Even after the operation of mobile courts, the owners of brick kilns and coal kilns have not budged. The illegal construction of brick kilns and coal kilns by burning wood is causing environmental damage. News about this was published in various media on February 25/26, 2024 last year. In response to the news, the relevant administration conducted a mobile court by the Department of Environment to close down the illegal coal factory by burning wood in Chandkhali of the upazila for environmental protection.
Khulna Divisional Environment Department Deputy Director and Executive Magistrate Md. Asifur Rahman and Upazila Executive Officer Momtaz Begum conducted a drive to destroy or close illegal furnaces. During this, 5 out of 69 furnaces were destroyed with excavators. Instructions were given to close the remaining coal furnaces. The authorities took into consideration the bond given by the local UP Chairman Abu Shahazada Elias on the condition of closing and removing the entire operation within 1 month due to humanitarian reasons. Even after a year, the coal furnaces have not been closed, the owners have once again become restless.
It is known that 200 to 300 tons of wood are burned in a furnace every time. At least 25 thousand tons of wood are burned each time. Each furnace burns wood 3 to 4 times per month to make coal. As a result, 80 thousand to 1 lakh tons of wood are burned in coal furnaces every month. As a result, the social forest along with nature is being destroyed. The environment is being severely damaged. Various diseases are spreading in the area due to toxic smoke. People are at risk of health due to indiscriminate cutting of trees, destruction of nature, but for some invisible reason, the authorities have been silent until now. Some influential people in the area have managed all aspects of this illegal business because it is more profitable. What is the source of power to burn illegal wood and make brick kilns and coal?
It has been learned from talking to the locals that the roads cannot be walked due to the furnaces. The eyes start burning. It becomes difficult to breathe. The locals also said that the toxic smoke from all these wood and coal furnaces has made it difficult to live in the surrounding villages. Especially, various eye problems and respiratory problems are constantly occurring. The owners of the furnaces and kilns are managing the concerned people and continuing this illegal business. It is known from the locals that a large amount of wood is being burned simultaneously in various areas of the upazila, including several brick kilns near the Chandkhali furnace factory, Raruli Palpara, and Raruli brick kiln.
Deforestation is happening due to brick kilns, use of wood in furnaces, high population pressure and natural disasters. If forest resources are not protected, environmental disaster will occur, which will have an impact on nature. Forest resources are being cut down day after day, due to which the environment is facing disaster today.
When asked to speak to the coal furnace owners about the issue, they were reluctant to speak in front of the camera.
In this regard, Deputy Director of Khulna Divisional Environment Department Md. Asifur Rahman said, "We are conducting raids every day in different upazilas of Khulna division. Last year, we conducted raids in Paikgachha and demolished a coal furnace and the owner of the brick kiln was fined, but after we left, he started again. We will conduct raids soon and make preparations in such a way that we can demolish all of them."
Shahriar Kabir,
Paikgachha-Khulna.01711285964
